Hey guys! It is high time for another Favorites post. It’s funny, I always find myself itching to write these right at the end of the season, which tells me that doing them once a season is the right thing to do for me, as opposed to once a month as I intended to do when I first started Laughing My Abs Off.

To read some older Favorites post, head over here, here, this August one, this July one, or this June one (the very first!)

Speaking of, we’re coming up on a full YEAR! Isn’t that absolutely crazy? I’m so grateful to this space and have so many dreams for it, so I can’t wait to see what year 2 will bring! Thank you for following along and always being amazing <3

Now, I have a nice little hodgepodge of faves for you here, everything from some new podcasts to some new food products to recipes, movies, places, etc. Everything on this list I’ve fallen absolutely IN LOVE with, and I can tell it’s the real deal. No flings here. Let’s dive in, shall we?

Podcasts

The Lively Show

I am obsessed with this show. I KNOW I am going to have a few posts inspired by it coming in the near future; I just need a bit more time to process and digest it better. Jess is one of the most centered and aware voices I have ever had the pleasure of hearing, and somehow you cannot help but be completely enraptured with every episode.

I’ve been pretty big on podcasts for around a year now, and I have some I really adore, but hers is the only one so far during which I basically NEVER tune out. Then again, maybe it’s because the subject matter she focuses on is something I am most drawn to right now. If you’re a spirituality junkie, or just want to learn about how to feel more aligned, more in tune with yourself, and more intuitive, please do check out her show! She also interviews some really really cool people, both in the wellness space and totally outside it.

Nourishing Women Podcast

I found this one just a few months ago, and I’ve been steadily working through listening to almost every single episode that they’ve put out so far. Thankfully, they’re pretty young, so it’s not too monumental a task. I LOVE how these gals make intuitive eating incredibly approachable and incorporate actual scientific research in addition to opinions. I learn something new in every single episode, and it’s absolutely fascinating.

Movies

Solo: A Star Wars Story

This was a great season for movies. I’ve been watching quite a few, but watching Solo in the movie theater was definitely one of the highlights. My expectations actually weren’t that high because I didn’t really hear any raving reviews about it prior to watching. But seeing as I am now apparently a Star Wars fan (who am I?), I knew I had to watch it.

And you guys, I totally LOVED it. One, the movie is chock-full of eye candy. Yes, totally serious. Secondly, I just found it a really fun and enjoyable experience. Everything from the acting to the plot line to the scenery was on point, and I was pretty much on the edge of my seat the whole time. Much recommended. If only for the ridiculously attractive cast. 😉

Titanic

LOL, kinda random right? I hadn’t seen this movie in about 9 years before watching it last month. And let me tell you, watching it at 11 is quite different from watching it at 20. This movie is LONG and not for the faint of heart, but it’s truly a masterpiece. A must. Just cuddle up with someone you love and a box of tissues. And maybe some chocolate. 🙂

Books

Intuitive Eating

I’ve been reading this book for basically all of spring because I only had time for a couple pages before bed while at college. Truly a must for anyone interested in the intuitive eating movement, or anyone who still feels a bit crazy around food. I really love how this book breaks down the philosophy of intuitive eating into bite-sized chunks and shows that anyone can find freedom with food.

Harry Potter

Hah, I believe I’ve already mentioned once or twice that I’m rereading the entire series ever since I got back from college. It’s been around 3 years since my last foray into the wizarding world, and I was definitely feeling the itch throughout the year but knew I wanted the full freedom of summer to start the journey. God I love these books. They have the ability to lift my mood, make me think, and also make me laugh like a hyena from The Lion King.

Drinks

Four Sigmatic Hot Cocoa and Coffee

So I’ve heard tons about these, just by virtue of being pretty deeply involved in the wellness sphere. Talia talks a lot about it on her podcast! So when I say the little packets being sold in Whole Foods, I picked up a couple to try.

I was super impressed! The hot cocoa is meant to be relaxing and a perfect pre-bedtime drink, and it was perfect for a little nighttime sweet treat, without actually giving me a big sugar dose right before bed. It was so so good!

The coffee was super impressive too! I almost never drink instant coffee, but this little packet was honestly the same quality as something I would get in a high-end coffee shop. Plus it had all the *shroom* benefits! I totally recommend you try it out if you see it!

Birch Coffee

My newest NYC obsession. Their coffee is always amazing, and they serve up one of the best iced oat milk lattes the city has to offer. But really anything on their menu is top-notch. Plus, they just have a super cute vibe in every one of their locations.

Iced Almond Milk Latte

So I used to be super simple with my coffee. Plain black coffee if hot and iced coffee with almond or soy milk if cold. But lately, I’ve found myself ordering iced almond milk lattes more often than not. There’s just something so so satisfying about them, especially when the coffee really shines and creates a multi-dimensional flavor experience. Hate when I order this, and all I taste is almond milk LOL.

Banana Coffee

Head on over to my Chicago travel guide if you’re like, “um…what?”

Basically, banana coffee is the new IT drink, and as soon as more places in NYC start doing it, I’m pretty sure it may replace the above-mentioned favorite as my drink of choice. I can’t even explain to you why this is so good, but just trust me and get it?

Travel

Chicago

I was totally blow away by this beautiful city. It sneaked into my heart totally unexpectedly and is unlikely to loosen its hold on me anytime soon. I have a few friends who are considering moving there after college, and I’m actually kind of excited for that, just so I have multiple excuses to go there a year. 🙂

Champaign

While in Chicago, I took a little day trip to visit my friend MB in his hometown Champaign. It’s much much smaller than Chicago, and has a much more midwestern vibe. It was unlike anything I have ever really been to, from the expansive corn fields all around to the Ranch dressing that went on literally everything to the quaint adorable houses. So different for this city gal, but I really loved exploring a place so new to me.

Charlottesville

Taking this little day trip with my friends this semester was one of the highlights of the term (and this year) for me. I absolutely adored this town, from the gorgeous scenery to the sweet historic downtown area. Also long car rides with friends are one of my favorite things ever, and this was all around an awesome bonding experience. 🙂

Food

Power Mac and Cheese

I loved this recipe from Hummusapien so much that I made it twice in quick succession. Even though I have literally hundreds of recipes I have yet to try in my Favorites. This was SUCH a satisfying meal. It felt totally indulgent but also super “healthy” (quotes because healthy is a very subjective term, and I think brownies can be just as healthy as a kale salad if enjoyed whole-heartedly) because it was full of veggies and was entirely plant-based.

Jeni’s Ice Cream

I’m so happy this ice cream is becoming more and more mainstream. NYC is waiting for you, Jeni’s!

Zoodles

I absolutely love noodles because they are so dang versatile and truly taste delicious in so many different recipes. Obviously it’s not pasta, but honestly sometimes zoodles with marinara sauce and some turkey meatballs is EXACTLY what I want and need. Easy way to get in your veggies and fiber and provide a light base for a meal.

Elizabeth’s Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Granola

I think this has appeared in my favorites before, but because I recently demolished a bag, it’s very fresh in my mind. This granola is, for whatever reason, not available in DC Whole Foods, so I always have to pick it up when I’m back in NYC. It’s so addictive it honestly shouldn’t be allowed. I could eat it for every meal, no joke. Also the only way I ever eat this granola is straight from the bag, by the handful. No yogurt ish to distract from this goodness. 😉

Beauty

Gloss Moderne Hair Mask

Got this as a sample, and after using it, I realized I NEED it right away. Now this guy costs a pretty penny, so I made sure to use it several times before I purchased it. I love it because it really moisturizes my hair and usually makes it super manageable and really pretty even without any styling. However, for the price, I would expect it to result in perfect hair more often than it does. And though I definitely do love this product, I’m just not sure I can justify paying that price for a hair product, so I’ll just need to find one that’s cheaper and does a similar job. Any recommendations welcome!

Tarte Tarteist Lip Paint

I NEVER used to wear any lip color ever. My go-to has always just been chapstick. Lip color just felt like too much effort for what it was worth for me. But I got this as a free sample in a recent Sephora order, and I love Tarte, so I figured why not. Well, I’ve been getting quite a bit of use out of this little bad boy! Turns out lip paint is pretty low-maintenance and lends an instant pop of brightness to the face that I’d never realized I needed. Loving it!

 

And them’s my favorites 😀

Let me know in the comments what you’ve been LOVING lately! Have a lovely week <3

 

Linking up with Meg for Week in Review

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